Before a vote on candidates for various Henderson boards, committees, and commissions, member Mary Emma Evans asked what the procedure is for accepting candidates for boards and committees for consideration [by the city council].
Evans made her remarks during Monday’s regular council session at City Hall.
Specifically, Evans asked if the city does criminal background checks or drug testing.
City Manager Ray Griffin responded that “there is no protocol for that”. He did, however, state that member Garry Daeke is chairing a committee on boards an appointments that will be looking at the appointment process. He also noted that the committee has not yet begun work, but said that they will most likely come back to the council this summer with recommendations on how the council can improve the process.
Evans responded that she thinks the city needs to do criminal background checks, indicating that members of the city’s boards and committees “are very important to the city”.
She also advocated a drug testing requirement for city council members.
City Attorney John Zollicoffer advised her and the other members that the city is unable to conduct drug testing on prospective city board and committee members. According to state law, the only requirements are US citizenship, being over eighteen years of age, and living in the appropriate ward.
The same is true for city council members.
“We’re not a judge and jury,” member Mike Rainey remarked. He went on to say that if a candidate’s “reputation precedes them” that he council can say “yea or nay”.
Daeke added that a great deal of discussion has centered on marketing board and committee positions so that people will volunteer. He indicated that the city council could have a character discussion.
Member Sara Coffey added that she would like to see something regarding criminal backgrounds of applications.
“I don’t want that representation,” Coffey said, referring to applicants who potentially have criminal records.